Lamar Causey, 24, was arrested Sunday afternoon on complaints of cruelty to juveniles and child desertion, among other charges, for an incident that occurred Sunday at the Fremaux Town Center in Slidell.

According to a police report, the Slidell Police Department was notified to respond to the shopping center after receiving a report of a shoplifting incident at Ulta Beauty.

Upon their arrival, two officers located Causey, who was reportedly seen stealing over $1,000 worth of merchandise from the store. Moments later, the situation escalated when the officers approached him.

"He tossed his 17-month-old daughter to the ground, abandoned her and then fled from officers," the SPD said.

According to the SPD, one of the officers went to the infant's aid, while the other went after Causey, who reportedly resisted arrest. Once he was apprehended, he continued to act belligerent and threatened officers.

Shortly afterward, paramedics arrived and took the child to a hospital for treatment. She has been released and is back in the care of family members.

"Someone who tosses his infant daughter in order to get away from police is disgusting," Slidell Police Chief Randy Smith said. "We are thankful the infant wasn’t seriously injured and will make a full recovery. I’m glad we caught (Causey) and confident justice will be served in this case. "

In addition to Causey's arrest, the SPD recovered 14 bottles of stolen perfume and cologne, worth an estimated $1,187. He was booked into the Slidell City Jail, where he remains until he is transferred to the St. Tammany Parish Jail.